WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:18.039 We're going to go ahead and get started with the meeting of the Administration and Legal 00:00:18.039 --> 00:00:26.600 Affairs Committee, Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 at 5 p.m. 2.0 prayer, if I can do that. 00:00:26.600 --> 00:00:38.600 All right. Dear Heavenly Father, we just thank you for a beautiful day. We just ask you to help us navigate through these issues on the agenda and come up with the best solutions for everybody in the county. 00:00:38.600 --> 00:00:49.600 And we just ask you to help the farmers and those working outside in this wonderful weather and have a productive planting season. And just thank you. 00:00:49.600 --> 00:00:56.600 and she's safe. Amen. All right. 3.0 Approval of Agenda. 00:00:56.600 --> 00:00:57.600 Any approval? 00:00:57.600 --> 00:00:58.600 Second. 00:00:58.600 --> 00:01:01.600 All right. All those in favor say aye. 00:01:01.600 --> 00:01:02.600 All right. 00:01:02.600 --> 00:01:06.599 And 4.0 Approval of Meeting Minutes from April 8th. 00:01:06.599 --> 00:01:08.599 Make a motion. 00:01:08.599 --> 00:01:09.599 All right. 00:01:09.599 --> 00:01:10.599 Second. 00:01:10.599 --> 00:01:11.599 All right. 00:01:11.599 --> 00:01:15.599 I'm going to go right along and all those in favor say aye. 00:01:15.600 --> 00:01:32.600 So Moot and Approval of Claims, under here I guess, $22,504.70, election must be over in a little bit. 00:01:32.600 --> 00:01:39.600 Do we need to sign those? We do, we have to approve them. And I will sign it. All right, all of them in favor say aye. 00:01:39.600 --> 00:01:40.600 Hi. 00:01:40.600 --> 00:01:41.600 Zoning. 00:01:41.600 --> 00:01:42.600 Are you signing up? 00:01:42.600 --> 00:01:43.600 Great. 00:01:43.600 --> 00:01:44.600 Sign up. 00:01:44.600 --> 00:01:45.600 Zoning. 00:01:45.600 --> 00:01:46.600 Dale? 00:01:46.600 --> 00:01:47.600 Dale? 00:01:47.600 --> 00:01:48.600 Oh, okay. 00:01:48.600 --> 00:02:00.600 Let's move on to 5.0 approval, or excuse me, public comments, 6.0, public comments. 00:02:00.600 --> 00:02:07.800 You've got three minutes, you want to state your name and when you do, then I'll start 00:02:07.800 --> 00:02:08.800 the clock. 00:02:08.800 --> 00:02:38.720 Good evening, my name is Karen Klechner and I'm here to voice my concerns and objections regarding agenda items 9.2 and 9.3 on living business. 00:02:38.719 --> 00:02:41.639 regarding the burning ordinance language changes. 00:02:41.639 --> 00:02:46.319 224.3, giving any business owner in Stevenson County 00:02:46.319 --> 00:02:47.879 the right to burn landscape waste. 00:02:47.879 --> 00:02:50.039 And I question if that's really what you want 00:02:50.039 --> 00:02:52.280 to capture every business owner. 00:02:52.280 --> 00:02:55.240 224.4, changes are more concerning 00:02:55.240 --> 00:02:57.400 because the proposed language is allowing waste 00:02:57.400 --> 00:03:00.639 to be hauled in and it is removing the restriction 00:03:00.639 --> 00:03:03.960 of obtaining the appropriate EPA permits. 00:03:03.960 --> 00:03:06.199 The proposed language that states in accordance 00:03:06.199 --> 00:03:08.000 with the same regulations and restrictions 00:03:08.000 --> 00:03:14.159 applicable to other landscape waste generated on or off the property, what exactly are the 00:03:14.159 --> 00:03:18.319 same regulations and restrictions applicable to other waste is my question. 00:03:18.319 --> 00:03:23.479 And that language should be better defined and made much clearer to the reader and what 00:03:23.479 --> 00:03:24.479 the intent is. 00:03:24.479 --> 00:03:32.000 I also question the 224-4 language that reads all ordinance or parts of ordinances in conflict 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:35.960 with this amendment are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. 00:03:35.960 --> 00:03:38.960 Again, what exactly are the other ordinances 00:03:38.960 --> 00:03:40.480 that are being referred to here? 00:03:40.480 --> 00:03:43.719 That should be spelled out much clearer to the reader. 00:03:43.719 --> 00:03:47.120 The proposed changes seem very broad and vague in general, 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:49.439 especially when it's applying to all business orders 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:52.080 and it's a burning ordinance 00:03:52.080 --> 00:03:54.900 that considers people's health and safety. 00:03:54.900 --> 00:03:56.680 My understanding is that county code 00:03:56.680 --> 00:03:58.719 may be more restrictive than state code 00:03:58.719 --> 00:04:01.200 and the proposed changes appear to be much more lenient 00:04:01.200 --> 00:04:03.260 and that is a huge concern. 00:04:03.260 --> 00:04:05.819 Specifically asking and respectfully asking you 00:04:05.819 --> 00:04:07.699 with the following questions. 00:04:07.699 --> 00:04:10.579 What is the county's intent with these proposed changes? 00:04:10.579 --> 00:04:13.579 And what does the county gain from these proposed changes? 00:04:13.579 --> 00:04:16.399 What's the benefit to the county by doing this? 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:18.579 And have the implications and ramifications 00:04:18.579 --> 00:04:20.819 of passing these changes been thoroughly considered 00:04:20.819 --> 00:04:22.339 and thought through? 00:04:22.339 --> 00:04:24.139 How's the county going to enforce it 00:04:24.139 --> 00:04:25.579 to the Ag and General Language 00:04:25.579 --> 00:04:27.699 and who is going to police it? 00:04:27.699 --> 00:04:30.740 And are there resources to police it? 00:04:30.740 --> 00:04:32.620 My concerns is the negative impact 00:04:32.620 --> 00:04:34.699 the citizens of Stevenson County have 00:04:34.699 --> 00:04:37.099 that will be subject to the liberal burning ordinances, 00:04:37.099 --> 00:04:38.819 especially in my neighborhood's case 00:04:38.819 --> 00:04:40.219 where we all know the quarry owner 00:04:40.219 --> 00:04:43.180 will be hauled in waste. 00:04:43.180 --> 00:04:45.899 Is he already hauled in such waste yesterday? 00:04:45.899 --> 00:04:48.579 And he has already burned where we smell chemicals 00:04:48.579 --> 00:04:50.379 in the hang time of smoke pollution 00:04:50.379 --> 00:04:52.779 and we cannot freely open our windows in our homes 00:04:52.779 --> 00:04:54.300 or go outside. 00:04:54.300 --> 00:04:56.219 The quarry should be operated as a quarry 00:04:56.219 --> 00:04:58.899 and not as a burn pit or landfill site. 00:04:58.899 --> 00:05:01.339 Respectfully requesting that these agenda items 00:05:01.340 --> 00:05:29.700 Thank you for your time and the work you do as a board member. 00:05:29.699 --> 00:05:43.699 Thank you for working on that. And I also have at least like eight people that could not attend tonight that are in agreement with, you know, what I'm saying and our objections and concerns. 00:05:43.699 --> 00:05:46.699 Great. Thank you. Anybody else? 00:05:46.699 --> 00:06:16.459 You may begin my time now, all right. My name is Jack Sosnowski and to the members of the 00:06:16.459 --> 00:06:18.859 and the Administration and Legal Affairs Committee 00:06:18.859 --> 00:06:22.939 regarding agenda items 9.2 and 9.3. 00:06:22.939 --> 00:06:26.259 We respectfully urge the committee to postpone, delay 00:06:26.259 --> 00:06:29.779 or dismiss any vote of these proposed ordinance changes 00:06:29.779 --> 00:06:32.979 until additional research and public discussions 00:06:32.979 --> 00:06:35.779 can take place regarding the potential impact 00:06:35.779 --> 00:06:38.639 on surrounding neighborhoods and residents 00:06:38.639 --> 00:06:40.519 through Stevenson County. 00:06:40.519 --> 00:06:44.620 The proposed amendment to chapter 224-3 00:06:44.620 --> 00:06:59.540 would expand the current ordinance language and allow landscape waste burning, not only on the sites where the waste is generated or at sites supervised by the local government, but also by quote unquote business owners. 00:06:59.540 --> 00:07:04.540 This is a significant change with potential broad implications, countywide. 00:07:05.139 --> 00:07:13.819 As a nearby resident of the Quarry property owned by Zach Jeffrey, we already experienced concerns about burning activities at the site. 00:07:13.819 --> 00:07:26.139 Fires have been left unattended, unsupervised for extended periods of time, raising concerns about safety, air quality, nuisance conditions, and the overall impact on the neighboring properties. 00:07:26.139 --> 00:07:30.379 A quarry is not intended to function as a large-scale burning site. 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:40.379 We believe additional reviews are necessary before adopting any language that could substantially expand burning permissions for businesses across Stevenson County. 00:07:40.379 --> 00:07:43.579 Residents who may be affected deserve the opportunity 00:07:43.579 --> 00:07:46.060 for further transparency, discussion, and evaluation 00:07:46.060 --> 00:07:49.259 of long-term consequences for these changes. 00:07:49.259 --> 00:07:51.339 We respectfully ask the committee to delay 00:07:51.339 --> 00:07:54.779 or dismiss these actions until more research is done. 00:07:54.779 --> 00:07:56.620 Thank you for your consideration. 00:07:56.620 --> 00:08:00.379 And I would like to have all of our notes entered 00:08:00.379 --> 00:08:04.060 into the public record in the meeting notes. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:04.939 Thank you. 00:08:04.939 --> 00:08:06.139 Sorry, thank you, sir. 00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:17.879 Interception here somewhere, so we got this in the zone. 00:08:21.879 --> 00:08:25.120 Doreen Rogers, 532 York Street, Freedport. 00:08:25.120 --> 00:08:25.959 It is. 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:28.920 I just, I'm sorry. 00:08:28.920 --> 00:08:31.699 Can you start my three minutes, please? 00:08:31.699 --> 00:08:32.720 Thank you. 00:08:32.720 --> 00:08:36.259 Doreen Rogers, 532 York Street, Freeport. 00:08:36.259 --> 00:08:39.320 Myself along with nearly 100 nearby residents 00:08:39.320 --> 00:08:41.620 oppose the changes recommended by members 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:43.700 of the Planning and Zoning Board. 00:08:43.700 --> 00:08:47.000 As the current code states under purpose and context 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:49.740 is to manage waste disposal and burning in a way 00:08:49.740 --> 00:08:52.840 that protects public health, safety, and the environment. 00:08:52.840 --> 00:08:55.899 The proposed amendments do quite the opposite. 00:08:55.899 --> 00:08:59.639 The Illinois Burn Ban rules, exemptions, and penalties 00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:01.279 spells out that even in counties 00:09:01.279 --> 00:09:03.819 where landscape waste burning is legal, 00:09:03.819 --> 00:09:07.059 local ordinances can impose additional restrictions 00:09:07.059 --> 00:09:08.759 or ban it entirely. 00:09:08.759 --> 00:09:12.799 It does not suggest a County Board taking upon themselves 00:09:12.799 --> 00:09:15.459 to dismiss the seriousness of the ban 00:09:15.459 --> 00:09:18.360 by creating ordinances that are less restrictive 00:09:18.360 --> 00:09:20.199 or changing definitions 00:09:20.199 --> 00:09:24.240 to avoid IEPA permitting requirements. 00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:27.079 Open burning is generally illegal in Illinois. 00:09:27.080 --> 00:09:31.340 The IEPA has a very limited number of exemptions to this. 00:09:31.340 --> 00:09:34.080 There are clear conditions for obtaining a permit, 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:37.060 which include hours, wind requirements, 00:09:37.060 --> 00:09:40.160 and continuous and coordinated supervision 00:09:40.160 --> 00:09:41.520 by a government agency 00:09:41.520 --> 00:09:44.100 and the local fire protection district. 00:09:44.100 --> 00:09:46.360 This is for safety and accountability. 00:09:46.360 --> 00:09:49.300 It does not put the Fox in charge of the hen house 00:09:49.300 --> 00:09:51.600 by suggesting a business owner 00:09:51.600 --> 00:09:54.040 be granted this responsibility. 00:09:54.040 --> 00:09:56.000 My case in point is Zach Jeffries. 00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:59.799 As you know, he's the new owner of the once non-operational 00:09:59.799 --> 00:10:03.679 non-operational abandoned Fairview Quarry. 00:10:03.679 --> 00:10:07.519 He has blatantly ignored the laws and EPA requirements. 00:10:07.519 --> 00:10:10.759 You as our County Board have allowed him to do so. 00:10:10.759 --> 00:10:12.639 Good thing we don't live in Tree City 00:10:12.639 --> 00:10:15.740 as he's been bulldozing all the trees on his property 00:10:15.740 --> 00:10:17.759 then openly burning them. 00:10:17.759 --> 00:10:22.759 This trade waste was conducted without a required EPA permits 00:10:24.120 --> 00:10:26.919 or use of an air curtain destructor. 00:10:26.919 --> 00:10:29.439 The flames and smoke could be seen from our home. 00:10:29.439 --> 00:10:31.219 and continued for weeks on end. 00:10:31.659 --> 00:10:35.579 And I have photos from the evening of February 26th and March 3rd. 00:10:35.979 --> 00:10:40.439 This activity affected our quality of life as we had to keep our windows 00:10:40.439 --> 00:10:43.740 closed and had ash on our patio furniture and vehicles. 00:10:44.099 --> 00:10:47.679 More importantly, this burning was highly illegal because 00:10:47.679 --> 00:10:49.299 it was unattended burning. 00:10:49.859 --> 00:10:53.120 While Zach left, the massive fire went to his home in Dakota. 00:10:53.459 --> 00:10:58.059 We had to worry whether a spark or air and cinder would start a fire causing 00:10:58.059 --> 00:11:01.000 any or all of us to lose our homes. 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:03.979 This activity only stopped when a concerned neighbor 00:11:03.979 --> 00:11:05.639 contacted the sheriff. 00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:07.779 This is the business owner 00:11:07.779 --> 00:11:10.039 your proposed provision would protect. 00:11:11.319 --> 00:11:13.479 This leads me to my next question. 00:11:13.479 --> 00:11:17.659 In addition to the fines and penalties imposed by the IEPA, 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:20.299 a person experiencing property damage or injury 00:11:20.299 --> 00:11:22.459 can file a civil lawsuit. 00:11:22.459 --> 00:11:25.259 Can the County assure us that Zach has insurance 00:11:25.259 --> 00:11:26.459 to cover this? 00:11:26.459 --> 00:11:28.899 or is the County assuming the liability 00:11:28.899 --> 00:11:31.339 as you choose to allow this? 00:11:31.339 --> 00:11:33.899 The IEPA reminds us that every, 00:11:33.899 --> 00:11:38.339 even every exempted activity still triggers a violation 00:11:38.339 --> 00:11:40.299 if it causes air pollution. 00:11:40.299 --> 00:11:42.439 What you are considering here tonight 00:11:42.439 --> 00:11:45.019 is not in the best interest of many residents 00:11:45.019 --> 00:11:48.279 living in close proximity to has slowly created 00:11:48.279 --> 00:11:49.579 an air threat. 00:11:49.579 --> 00:11:50.419 Thank you. 00:11:50.419 --> 00:11:52.219 Do you want to submit that for... 00:11:52.219 --> 00:11:53.319 I certainly would. 00:11:53.319 --> 00:12:07.319 Would you also like the pictures of the burning this was, these photos were taken after Zach had gone home for the evening from my property and we can clearly see there was a fire in the woods. 00:12:07.319 --> 00:12:08.319 and others. 00:12:21.039 --> 00:12:22.519 I'm Karen Rivers. 00:12:22.519 --> 00:12:24.000 My approach is a little different, 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:26.319 but I agree with everything they've said. 00:12:26.319 --> 00:12:29.939 At the April 6th, 26 planning and development meeting, 00:12:29.939 --> 00:12:32.980 I spoke reference ongoing concerns of Zach Jeffries 00:12:32.980 --> 00:12:36.799 not abiding by legal requirements and procedures 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:41.359 and last year at his quarry located at 466 West Fairview Road. 00:12:41.359 --> 00:12:44.480 One topic I mentioned was the burning he'd been doing 00:12:44.480 --> 00:12:49.480 with the most recent fire burning 24-7, 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:52.839 nonstop and unattended for two and a half weeks. 00:12:52.839 --> 00:12:54.439 At times the heavy smoke lingered 00:12:54.439 --> 00:12:56.079 throughout the neighborhood, 00:12:56.079 --> 00:12:59.000 putting local residents with asthma allergy, COPD 00:12:59.000 --> 00:13:01.759 and other medical issues at high risk. 00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:03.319 The next day on April 7th, 00:13:03.319 --> 00:13:10.679 Director, began working on a new county burn ordinance and within two weeks was requesting 00:13:10.679 --> 00:13:15.000 it being put on tonight's agenda for approval. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:16.159 Citizens were not made aware. 00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:20.879 We only found out due to FOIA's done by the secrecy. 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:26.220 I have tried to obtain a copy of the new state law, the proposed ordinance has been said 00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:29.319 to be based upon in a FOIA return. 00:13:29.319 --> 00:13:37.259 Mrs. Williams denied me info regarding unreferences stating the regulations are available online. 00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:40.319 She did not mention the statute or chapter. 00:13:40.319 --> 00:13:46.079 As of last night, even her Supervisor, County Administrator, Georgia Newformer, cannot locate 00:13:46.079 --> 00:13:47.079 it. 00:13:47.079 --> 00:13:52.399 For Ms. Newformer, Beth Williams based her new ordinance on info received from an unknown 00:13:52.399 --> 00:13:54.199 source within the EPA. 00:13:54.199 --> 00:13:58.279 I spoke again at a PNP meeting two nights ago, 00:13:58.279 --> 00:14:03.279 5-11-26, expressing continuing concerns. 00:14:03.519 --> 00:14:07.799 Yesterday morning, Zach Jeffrey, obviously a retaliation, 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:11.240 spent quite some time building an extremely large pile 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:15.519 of logs, approximately 20 to 30 foot from my lane. 00:14:15.519 --> 00:14:20.519 It's about 25 to 30 foot high and 50 foot in circumference. 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:22.679 Should he light it, we would not have ingress 00:14:22.679 --> 00:14:25.720 of Ebers and at the major fire hazards. 00:14:25.720 --> 00:14:29.439 I spoke with Zach at the bottom of our lanes yesterday. 00:14:29.439 --> 00:14:31.799 I asked why he's building the burn site there 00:14:31.799 --> 00:14:33.240 and not in the pit area. 00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:36.000 I requested him work with the neighbors. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:38.599 Again, the EPA has cited Zach Jeffrey 00:14:38.599 --> 00:14:41.720 multiple times for violations. 00:14:41.720 --> 00:14:43.639 The county has done a little to force him 00:14:43.639 --> 00:14:45.959 into compliance for a year now. 00:14:45.959 --> 00:14:49.399 The lack of an occupancy permit should have shut him down, 00:14:49.399 --> 00:14:52.240 but realistically, he never should have been allowed 00:14:52.240 --> 00:14:54.399 to start operating without one. 00:14:55.439 --> 00:14:57.799 The prospective burn ordinance as written 00:14:57.799 --> 00:15:01.279 without coefficients or exceptions 00:15:01.279 --> 00:15:05.539 being added to ordinance 224-6 is detrimental 00:15:05.539 --> 00:15:08.439 to not just our neighborhood, but the county as a whole. 00:15:08.439 --> 00:15:10.199 Please come take a look. 00:15:10.199 --> 00:15:12.279 So you're fully informed prior to voting. 00:15:12.279 --> 00:15:14.319 I've had to keep my gate shut. 00:15:14.319 --> 00:15:16.599 So if you call first, I'll let you up. 00:15:16.599 --> 00:15:18.879 You won't see much from the road. 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:22.220 Where exact gate is open, consider driving down 00:15:22.220 --> 00:15:23.940 and speaking with terms of it. 00:15:23.940 --> 00:15:24.779 Thank you. 00:15:24.779 --> 00:15:25.619 Yeah. 00:15:25.619 --> 00:15:27.339 I'm going to take a picture of this with my phone 00:15:27.339 --> 00:15:29.339 and then I'll give it to you, all right? 00:15:29.339 --> 00:15:31.220 Yeah, and then let the rest of us use it. 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:32.059 When this part? 00:15:32.059 --> 00:15:35.319 Well, when you send the picture, we'll put it in these. 00:15:35.319 --> 00:15:36.159 And then, yeah. 00:15:36.159 --> 00:15:37.000 I'll give you this. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:38.299 I don't have a computer. 00:15:38.299 --> 00:15:40.700 I'll give you this, but I need a copy for myself. 00:15:40.700 --> 00:15:42.779 Okay, we'll support something else. 00:15:42.779 --> 00:15:43.619 Okay, thank you. 00:15:43.619 --> 00:15:44.460 Yes. 00:15:52.220 --> 00:15:53.220 All right. 00:16:00.220 --> 00:16:02.419 Start with the others. 00:16:02.419 --> 00:16:03.500 My name's Kevin Soka. 00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:07.019 I live just north of town, Fairbairn Road. 00:16:07.019 --> 00:16:11.359 I'm here to discuss my displeasure with the rapidity 00:16:11.359 --> 00:16:15.939 in which the changes to zoning ordinances 224-4 00:16:15.939 --> 00:16:19.599 and 224-3 are being requested. 00:16:19.599 --> 00:16:40.599 In looking at the ordinances, definitions are definitely lacking. I don't know who can do what, when, or for how long. And it's just kind of a blanket, wide open permit to burn whatever some guy wants to burn wherever, whether it's Zach Jeffries, Corey, or anywhere else. 00:16:40.599 --> 00:16:44.980 I cannot tell what a business owner is. 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:47.639 By definition, my wife is a business owner. 00:16:47.639 --> 00:16:51.480 Could I haul commercial or landscape waste 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:53.319 into my property and start burning 00:16:53.319 --> 00:16:55.980 just because I'm a business owner? 00:16:55.980 --> 00:16:57.919 Nothing is really defined that way. 00:16:59.200 --> 00:17:02.500 Could a person in Stevenson County, 00:17:02.500 --> 00:17:07.500 like Jack Zephyrs, haul waste in from Rockford 00:17:07.500 --> 00:17:15.240 Scottford or from Freeport or from anywhere else. There are no limitations on what is proposed 00:17:15.240 --> 00:17:21.159 to be happening over there, which means that he could fill that quarry with landscape waste 00:17:21.159 --> 00:17:28.679 and burn it because it doesn't say how he's going to extinguish that fire in the evening 00:17:28.679 --> 00:17:34.079 that COVID-19 only says from dusk or from dawn till dusk. But if you're burning big 00:17:34.079 --> 00:17:40.960 Logs, they burn for weeks, he was burning over there for weeks at a time with unattended fires. 00:17:41.920 --> 00:17:50.159 My mom had COPD, she could not breathe with oxygen. That residence area is about a half mile, 00:17:50.159 --> 00:17:55.360 there's at least a hundred residences over there and I'll bet you any amount of money there are 00:17:55.360 --> 00:18:02.000 people with breathing disorders that burning large amounts of landscape waste would make very 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:04.279 it's very difficult for them to be outside. 00:18:04.279 --> 00:18:07.000 There's no way on earth that that should be allowed. 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:08.319 Freeport doesn't allow. 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:10.759 Are we going to haul all of our stuff out of Freeport 00:18:10.759 --> 00:18:13.480 out there to burn it out there? 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:16.399 I disapprove of the way that this is going on. 00:18:16.399 --> 00:18:18.759 We haven't had enough time to even evaluate 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:22.240 what's proposed in extreme detail. 00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:26.799 Permits, what permits are required for a business owner 00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:30.879 to perform this kind of waste burning? 00:18:30.879 --> 00:18:36.079 What restrictions are in place other than the dawn, dawn till dusk? 00:18:36.559 --> 00:18:37.440 Am I getting close? 00:18:37.839 --> 00:18:42.119 Uh, 24 seconds, 24 seconds monitoring and enforcement. 00:18:42.159 --> 00:18:46.000 Who's going to do the monitoring that when he's burning something, it's not 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:52.119 within the agricultural commercial or, um, landscape waste. 00:18:52.400 --> 00:18:55.759 He could be burning anything out there and nobody would ever know because 00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:59.199 there's been no monitoring what's been happening at that point forever. 00:18:59.199 --> 00:19:02.359 and then the enforcement is a big deal. 00:19:02.359 --> 00:19:06.679 So I respectfully request that you guys delay voting 00:19:06.679 --> 00:19:10.199 on approval of this until after we've had time 00:19:10.199 --> 00:19:11.839 to evaluate it clearly. 00:19:11.839 --> 00:19:16.239 And if you would put a transcript of my comments 00:19:16.239 --> 00:19:18.199 into the minutes, I appreciate it. 00:19:18.199 --> 00:19:19.039 Get it there. 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:19.859 Okay, thank you. 00:19:19.859 --> 00:19:23.400 Yes, I didn't speak loud enough. 00:19:23.400 --> 00:19:25.039 That's okay, just for that. 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:26.639 I was, it's for the new team thing. 00:19:26.639 --> 00:19:28.000 But it's great to speak fast. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:57.920 Thank you, Mr. Chair, you're welcome. 00:19:57.920 --> 00:19:59.759 I just want to mention that you did say. 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:04.759 First thing I just want to mention, you did say that the claims were markedly less this month. 00:20:04.759 --> 00:20:10.200 I would like to point out that mine totaled all of $10 of interest. 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:17.000 So when you see later the bills from the tax bill roll in, just kind of recall this moment. 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:22.200 So I'm assuming everybody who's had a chance to review the financial alert or sent the 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:29.519 link, I believe Friday, May, referencing the cover page with the sales and income taxes 00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:33.079 Again, very steady, very reliable. 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:34.880 And as the monthly report indicates, 00:20:34.880 --> 00:20:38.599 the aggregate receipts increased by over 23,000 00:20:38.599 --> 00:20:39.759 from the previous month. 00:20:39.759 --> 00:20:43.180 And then last month was 33,000 from the previous month. 00:20:43.180 --> 00:20:45.279 So we're doing fairly well there. 00:20:46.559 --> 00:20:50.839 If you flip to page five, 00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:53.359 you will see that as of the end of the month, 00:20:53.359 --> 00:20:58.359 total county funds were down just 1.68%. 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:07.440 compared to March's month-end, which is well below what you would expect in any month where there's no such accuracy. 00:21:07.440 --> 00:21:10.880 So again, holding more than steady. 00:21:11.880 --> 00:21:15.720 Back to the page with all the yellow, there's more yellow this month. 00:21:16.160 --> 00:21:27.559 We had eight investment vehicles insured in April, pretty decent interest this time over $82,000, primarily due to 9-1-1 CDs a year. 00:21:27.559 --> 00:21:31.839 so there was a lot of, over $59,000 of that was for 9-1-1. 00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:35.000 So, and they have since, the Board has since asked me 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:39.940 to reinvest two more in additional CDs 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:41.339 for another six-month term. 00:21:41.339 --> 00:21:45.839 So, as of the end of April, we have 17 investments in place 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:47.720 across 10 different county funds, 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:52.059 maturity days between now and next April. 00:21:52.059 --> 00:21:55.059 This week, I placed another 2.7 million 00:21:55.059 --> 00:21:57.059 and Short Team Investments. 00:21:57.059 --> 00:21:59.460 Rates are pretty steady between treasury bills 00:21:59.460 --> 00:22:01.019 and federal home loan bank items. 00:22:01.019 --> 00:22:05.059 So I'm trying to skim as much interest as I possibly can 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:06.819 for as long as I can. 00:22:06.819 --> 00:22:10.819 So because everything is chugging along well, 00:22:10.819 --> 00:22:13.299 unless you have any other questions about the report, 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:15.660 I'm just, yes, Jeff. 00:22:15.660 --> 00:22:18.339 So you said 9-1-1 has really taken advantage of this. 00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:19.339 Yes. 00:22:19.339 --> 00:22:21.339 I know in the past, other departments have tried 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:22.980 to get in where they could. 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:35.220 It is, everything depends on cash flow. And so previously I would ask Tony and Township 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:41.500 Motor Fuel if we could really call theirs in. And now we can't do that because we're 00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:46.980 into their season. But sometimes with townships, there's a little, you know, there are a lot 00:22:46.980 --> 00:23:16.980 Township Roads Supervisors. So getting some consensus from them is a little difficult. Even though I manage money, I still like to have their input. So that's been a little bit trickier. But for the most part, it's pretty easy to get people to participate. But getting the rates that I do requires a larger balance than some of those funds carry. So it has, at that level, it's not really doing better than the insured cash loop accounts that I have. 00:23:16.980 --> 00:23:25.980 I try to get them in the best possible account that I can, so that if they're not invested, at least their regular interest is better than most. 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:27.980 Good question. Thank you. 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:29.980 Thank you. 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:32.980 Alright, and then I'm going to move on to the collection side. 00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:36.980 Tax season is fully underway. 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:41.980 So I received the final proofs, I'm verifying those right now. 00:23:41.980 --> 00:24:11.980 today. Anticipate a mail date is a week from today. They will be mailed directly from our firm. The tax bill redesign, which I gave you all each an example here, allowed us not only to satisfy some new state requirements as to what must be on the back side. So here's the back side of the bill. Yeah, there's a lot happening there. The larger size gave me additional space to include answers to some pretty commonly asked 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:22.980 Questions, and or to help us avoid some of the verbal abuse that we've had before so we're hoping that these things spelled out clearly make it easier for people to understand. 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:32.980 I'm really excited about being able to print in full color so for the first time I can include that pie chart that we've had on our website in a while 00:24:32.980 --> 00:24:39.460 Child, so people can really get a better feel for where their tax dollars are going. 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:45.180 And the former example I gave you, I think for some people is shocking if you look at 00:24:45.180 --> 00:24:55.319 where 70% of this person's tax will, she didn't even realize it until she looked at that. 00:24:55.319 --> 00:24:58.299 So it's, it's a little shocking. 00:24:58.299 --> 00:25:03.400 myself, but I think, you know, we've always had the verbiage above, but it's such small 00:25:03.400 --> 00:25:04.400 print. 00:25:04.400 --> 00:25:08.099 Nobody really wants to read it, but I think that pie chart really gets someone's attention 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:12.700 so that they do actually look up and read the fine print. 00:25:12.700 --> 00:25:19.619 Okay, electronic notices for the bills will go out on May 26th, which is the same day 00:25:19.619 --> 00:25:22.059 that I'm posting the bills online. 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:26.500 I do that so that anybody lost your bill, you want to print one directly, go right ahead 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.500 and do that. 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:31.500 We're again utilizing InvoiceCloud for electronic payment options. 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:37.500 It includes all credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, PayPal credit, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, EFTs. 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:40.500 If you can use it to pay anything, we'll take it. 00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:45.500 And on the back side of the bill, you'll notice down here, each installment is a QR code 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:50.500 that will take people to InvoiceCloud so that they can make any one of those payments they choose. 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:55.500 And then for people who aren't as savvy, there's a phone number on the back. 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:58.139 and Pat, they can call and do the same thing. 00:25:58.139 --> 00:26:01.799 First installment, these are the big dates, June 26th, 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:05.259 first day of the event, second installment, September 4th, 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:07.799 last day to pay taxes will be November 9th, 00:26:07.799 --> 00:26:10.860 followed the next day by the annual tax sale. 00:26:12.079 --> 00:26:14.119 Annual information to banks went out today, 00:26:14.119 --> 00:26:17.259 next will be the 100 plus taxing districts 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:19.759 receiving their distribution information from me. 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:23.279 So if you have any questions about that, 00:26:23.279 --> 00:26:25.759 It was a lot and I spoke quickly. 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:30.319 Nothing really has changed other than the bill format itself. 00:26:30.319 --> 00:26:32.200 Our due dates are literally a day off 00:26:32.200 --> 00:26:33.319 of where they were last year, 00:26:33.319 --> 00:26:36.000 only because I always keep them up Fridays. 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:39.200 So we're trying to maintain as steady a ship 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:40.579 as we possible to them. 00:26:41.679 --> 00:26:42.679 And just to let you know, 00:26:42.679 --> 00:26:45.000 I'm going to be out of the office all next week. 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:48.880 Then I'm going to UCCI Leadership Academy 00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:50.920 to present on the tax cycle, 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:52.480 which everybody is fascinated by. 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:54.840 Mr. Monroe, we missed it last year. 00:26:54.840 --> 00:26:55.680 Great presentation. 00:26:55.680 --> 00:26:58.840 So, I'm just like really, really jealous. 00:26:58.840 --> 00:27:01.599 So, but my staff will be there 00:27:01.599 --> 00:27:03.240 should you need anything in the meantime. 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:05.000 Yeah, that looks great. 00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:06.000 This looks really great. 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:07.440 I love the four color. 00:27:07.440 --> 00:27:08.279 Me too, me too. 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:09.519 And you know, the switching to the company, 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:10.779 I think I mentioned this before, 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:13.599 switching printers allowed me to go 00:27:13.599 --> 00:27:15.480 from a black and white clutter size 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:17.160 to a full colored maple size. 00:27:17.160 --> 00:27:19.759 Yes, and lots of questions answered. 00:27:19.759 --> 00:27:20.599 Lots. 00:27:20.599 --> 00:27:28.119 Yes, which is good. Yes. Yes. I have missed one or two. So people usually let me know. 00:27:29.480 --> 00:27:34.440 Well, same with a lot of phone calls. Yeah, I hope so. Yeah, I hope so. Yeah, we're pretty 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:38.840 pleased with how they turned out. It was, it was a little bit of, there was some heavy lifting to 00:27:38.840 --> 00:27:44.599 get there, but pretty pleased with the results. That looks great. Is there a walkthrough of the 00:27:44.599 --> 00:27:50.200 new format on the website? Not yet. I did not want to put the cart for the horse there. So I kind of 00:27:50.200 --> 00:27:58.200 I kind of do that with how to pay the bill. I have one of those too, but kind of an arrow. Here's what this is. Here's what this is. That is in the works. 00:27:58.200 --> 00:28:03.200 As clearly as it is laid out, a how-to is always there. 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:14.200 I think, you know, your eyes are used to looking at a certain place, and so now you have to look somewhere else. So that's absolutely in the works. 00:28:14.200 --> 00:28:17.200 That is all. 00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:42.200 All right, so let's see here, County Clerk, she got a resented report back next month here, so I don't think there's any, I guess it's basically what they've been doing in here, so like I said, between elections, so it's a quiet time for years. 00:28:42.200 --> 00:29:06.200 and then the other one to think of was the Supervisor of Assessments 7.3 and he'll also send in a report that helps pretty much standardize when he's got a new employee, is learning fast and fitting into the office very well, and she's doing the same work as she can. 00:29:06.200 --> 00:29:19.200 They've got seven townships that need to be reassessed, including Jefferson, Warren, Aaron, Kent, West Point, Bottoms, and Winslow. 00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:26.200 And then three or four townships will be reassessing properties in the city, and we have to do a few things to help them down. 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:45.200 and she's got a note in here about the deaf man thing, so there's a person who moved along here, and 7.4, County Administrator, 00:29:45.200 --> 00:29:55.599 There's the attachment on the agenda. 00:29:55.599 --> 00:29:59.599 Oh, that could be something. 00:29:59.599 --> 00:30:02.519 Okay, I could, if I could find it. 00:30:06.399 --> 00:30:07.759 I guess I did download that one. 00:30:10.399 --> 00:30:11.240 Thanks, Adam. 00:30:12.759 --> 00:30:13.599 There it is. 00:30:15.240 --> 00:30:19.199 I didn't know about that one, that's why it wasn't there. 00:30:19.199 --> 00:30:20.959 Let's see what she's got here. 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:27.679 Bear with me. 00:30:29.599 --> 00:30:44.399 I don't see it, I got it. Okay, so Stevenson Nursing Center and the court continue to do 00:30:44.399 --> 00:30:55.839 what was done. R1 Land Bank Unplanned Meeting Scheduled for 518. SICKETS on site 420, 430 and 56. 00:30:55.839 --> 00:31:03.599 It's, it's in the packet, but was this for the YouTube folks, I guess? Step Up program, 00:31:03.599 --> 00:31:15.359 for the walk with program and then make 10. I don't know. I probably had to buy. I think 00:31:15.359 --> 00:31:23.480 I could. I was like, Oh, no excuses. 00:31:23.480 --> 00:31:34.480 Let's see, what else have we got here? Solid Waste Program, Tasman, Terry, and Isaiah have put together updated information for P&D. 00:31:40.480 --> 00:31:45.480 I've got department head meetings for the drawings and discussion for next year. 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:51.480 And the shredding services will roll out 50% pretty much as an open year. 00:31:53.480 --> 00:32:03.480 and so up to 7.5 IT managers. 00:32:03.480 --> 00:32:09.480 Just an FYI, I have a meeting at 5.45, so if I step out after this, I'm not... 00:32:09.480 --> 00:32:18.480 Oh, that's the final reason. So, I just want to update everybody. I think we finally got everything ironed out on the new STQL1 server. 00:32:18.480 --> 00:32:24.799 I've been working with some vendors in regards to that. I had some DevNet issues in regards to the 00:32:24.799 --> 00:32:30.719 KAMA approval that you guys are going to approve here later this meeting, I believe, or at least 00:32:30.719 --> 00:32:36.639 discuss. That's the software for ANG in her department, things that they need. So there 00:32:36.639 --> 00:32:41.279 were some issues there. I had to do some back-end work on the server to get that up and working. 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:45.919 And then when I got it up and working, I found out they don't even have their full install done 00:32:45.919 --> 00:33:15.919 yet. So I'm not for sure. Maybe they've first seen a problem in the future. So we got that taken care of. Last night, I installed a new GAL PC box in the Circuit Clerk's Office for the public. And for you guys, that basically is what communicates to Judici that everybody goes and looks at online from all the court cases and the records and such that needed an upgrade. So I did that last night, did some testing to make sure that it was filtering through out to Judici. So everything 00:33:15.919 --> 00:33:23.119 getting updated and such, so that is done as well. Just moving into a lot of, this is kind of the 00:33:23.119 --> 00:33:27.839 season where I start re-upping our contracts for the next year as far as the ticketing system, 00:33:27.839 --> 00:33:32.639 our Microsoft office will go out for the quote and see what that's going to come back. They have 00:33:32.639 --> 00:33:37.519 given me a heads up that has increased obviously, so I don't know what that price is going to land 00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:42.319 and by the time we get there, but so I'm working on those 00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:47.859 basically for the next year. 00:33:49.039 --> 00:33:52.019 Outside of that, just taking care of the normal break fix. 00:33:52.019 --> 00:33:54.879 And then we have some upgrades with certain switches 00:33:54.879 --> 00:33:57.359 throughout the network that we plan on getting upgraded, 00:33:57.359 --> 00:34:00.440 just trying to be proactive, you know, and get ahead of stuff. 00:34:00.440 --> 00:34:05.319 So always busy, but I will say as of right now, 00:34:05.319 --> 00:34:06.379 it's not too stressful. 00:34:06.379 --> 00:34:07.219 I mean, it's good. 00:34:07.219 --> 00:34:09.299 Oh, one other update, County Boardroom. 00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:12.960 Courthouse network has just been a mess 00:34:12.960 --> 00:34:15.059 from the beginning of time. 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:16.940 We had trouble with a few County Board meetings 00:34:16.940 --> 00:34:19.739 where things would just cut out and things would happen. 00:34:20.880 --> 00:34:23.099 Traced a bunch of wires throughout that building, 00:34:23.099 --> 00:34:25.819 found a bottleneck along in the network. 00:34:25.819 --> 00:34:28.779 Believe I removed that bottleneck, did a bunch of testing. 00:34:28.779 --> 00:34:32.380 And last month's meeting finally went off without a hitch. 00:34:32.380 --> 00:34:35.199 Everything worked, it was like it was supposed to be. 00:34:35.199 --> 00:34:36.819 We didn't really have any interference. 00:34:36.819 --> 00:34:38.519 There was nothing that crashed. 00:34:38.519 --> 00:34:41.400 So again, I'm going to knock on wood. 00:34:41.400 --> 00:34:44.199 I do believe that that problem is fixed 00:34:45.719 --> 00:34:47.779 and we will see how this month goes. 00:34:47.779 --> 00:34:50.519 But so for all the testing and everything looks good 00:34:50.519 --> 00:34:52.400 and last month's meeting was fine. 00:34:52.400 --> 00:34:56.199 So outside of that, does anybody have any questions? 00:34:57.880 --> 00:34:59.319 Well, thank you for your service. 00:34:59.319 --> 00:35:00.920 I know there's a lot going on 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:04.159 and I'm sure there's more I'll say issues 00:35:04.159 --> 00:35:11.039 Yeah, it's just trying to undo years of multiple IT companies being in the building and one 00:35:11.039 --> 00:35:15.059 didn't report to the other what they were doing and you know sometimes you find connections 00:35:15.059 --> 00:35:20.340 you didn't even know were there so that's kind of been the fun part of tracing things 00:35:20.340 --> 00:35:26.559 out and following things through the beehive that is the network over there so. 00:35:26.559 --> 00:35:34.559 Well, if that's all, let's jump on an 8.2 quickly here so we can leave it. 00:35:34.559 --> 00:35:48.559 The AI Usage Policy, we're going to table that again. I don't know if our liability insurance has gotten a bunch of these at the reviewing, but it's kind of get a backlog there as far as like their final approval. 00:35:48.559 --> 00:35:52.719 on what, they made some requested changes to our last one 00:35:52.719 --> 00:35:54.559 and I re-sent them what they asked for 00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:56.259 and I was just asking for final approval. 00:35:56.259 --> 00:35:58.000 I haven't yet to get that. 00:35:58.000 --> 00:36:00.840 So until we do and we know that they're signing off on it, 00:36:00.840 --> 00:36:04.739 I would say that we don't rush it and get there. 00:36:04.739 --> 00:36:07.000 The approval of the revised ADA upgrades, 00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:09.539 I would say we can take that off the agenda for now. 00:36:11.380 --> 00:36:14.880 Chairman Helms passed along a company that I looked into 00:36:14.880 --> 00:36:16.880 and they don't deal with government agencies, 00:36:16.880 --> 00:36:18.559 so they kicked me to someone else. 00:36:18.559 --> 00:36:22.159 But in the meantime, the mandated date for this 00:36:22.159 --> 00:36:24.599 has been extended a year. 00:36:24.599 --> 00:36:28.119 So now we are out till April of 2028. 00:36:28.119 --> 00:36:30.039 The plan is to be done way before then, 00:36:30.039 --> 00:36:33.199 but we have more time to really dig into this 00:36:33.199 --> 00:36:35.920 and get as many companies as we can to figure out 00:36:35.920 --> 00:36:38.719 what's the best fit cost-wise and for what we need. 00:36:38.719 --> 00:36:40.519 So as of right now, 00:36:40.519 --> 00:36:42.319 I'm going to continue to do the homework on that 00:36:42.319 --> 00:36:43.800 and continue to have the meetings, 00:36:43.799 --> 00:36:47.920 but that were pushed out right away. 00:36:47.920 --> 00:36:50.159 So we'll get to that in a timely manner. 00:36:50.159 --> 00:36:52.880 It's good news, we'll get that off. 00:36:52.880 --> 00:36:54.599 There's the agenda for now. 00:36:54.599 --> 00:36:55.440 Yeah. 00:36:55.440 --> 00:36:58.960 And then if it doesn't look like the AI thing is going, 00:36:58.960 --> 00:37:00.199 we'll get that off there as well. 00:37:00.199 --> 00:37:01.799 We'll just bring it back, we'll let you see it. 00:37:01.799 --> 00:37:04.920 Oh yeah, I've followed up with them and I'm just not, 00:37:04.920 --> 00:37:07.239 I've kind of just, they're not replying 00:37:07.239 --> 00:37:08.279 as fast as they used to. 00:37:08.279 --> 00:37:10.000 So just let me know before next motion. 00:37:10.000 --> 00:37:11.599 Oh, absolutely, absolutely. 00:37:11.599 --> 00:37:12.719 Perfect. 00:37:12.719 --> 00:37:15.279 Alrighty, let's keep moving here. 00:37:15.279 --> 00:37:19.519 9.1, Approval of Addendum to Agreement or TAMMA, 00:37:19.519 --> 00:37:21.199 the Edge License, Maintenance, 00:37:21.199 --> 00:37:23.400 and Support Contracts that have dealt with that. 00:37:35.599 --> 00:37:40.199 Okay, Angie, the Supervisor of Assessments 00:37:40.199 --> 00:37:45.199 and at the bottom of her report is the contract for DevNet. 00:37:47.739 --> 00:37:50.940 I need the upgrade in order to use my system. 00:37:50.940 --> 00:37:52.840 You'd ask me to get approved the extra funds 00:37:52.840 --> 00:37:55.039 for the upgrade for the 2012-6 budget. 00:37:55.039 --> 00:37:58.039 As you can see, the extra money is on charge. 00:37:58.039 --> 00:38:02.319 One year, excuse me, one year over four equal payments. 00:38:02.319 --> 00:38:05.480 So, that out. 00:38:10.199 --> 00:38:39.199 They're talking about the bottom here. What are the numbers now? It looks like yes, four units here approximately 900 in January and then 48, 55, 48, 55, 48, 55 up until October 26th. 00:38:40.199 --> 00:38:53.599 I remember, right, the increase on, actually next year's even lower, so that's a good 00:38:53.599 --> 00:38:54.599 deal. 00:38:54.599 --> 00:39:01.159 And then 2028 was basically no increase either, so. 00:39:01.159 --> 00:39:03.880 And then 2029 was no increase either. 00:39:03.880 --> 00:39:08.400 Oh, that's a sad, that's, okay, yeah, oh my god. 00:39:08.400 --> 00:39:15.599 So yeah, since there's no increases for the next, I'm going to say three years here, that's 00:39:15.599 --> 00:39:18.599 what it appears to me. 00:39:18.599 --> 00:39:20.319 And she's going to need this. 00:39:20.319 --> 00:39:25.000 So I'm going to make a motion to approve it now in a second. 00:39:25.000 --> 00:39:26.000 I have a question. 00:39:26.000 --> 00:39:27.000 You do? 00:39:27.000 --> 00:39:28.000 Okay. 00:39:28.000 --> 00:39:29.000 I do. 00:39:29.000 --> 00:39:30.000 Was this part of her budget? 00:39:30.000 --> 00:39:31.000 Yes. 00:39:31.000 --> 00:39:32.000 What did she say? 00:39:32.000 --> 00:39:33.000 We did a lot of it. 00:39:33.000 --> 00:39:34.000 Yeah. 00:39:34.000 --> 00:39:35.000 Yeah. 00:39:35.000 --> 00:39:36.000 Okay. 00:39:36.000 --> 00:39:38.759 Oh, the other part, her report. Okay, got it. Okay. That's 00:39:38.759 --> 00:39:41.399 I mean, asking you to approve the extra funds for the 00:39:41.399 --> 00:39:44.920 upgrade from 12.6. So yeah, that's in our budget. 00:39:44.960 --> 00:39:47.399 If I remember right, she kind of gave us a warning this would 00:39:47.399 --> 00:39:53.000 be happening. Yes. Oh, yeah. So this wasn't a surprise. It's 00:39:53.000 --> 00:39:55.440 just we had to get it in this way. 00:39:55.440 --> 00:39:59.039 Well, it was necessary upgrade. Thanks, bro. Okay, so we got 00:39:59.039 --> 00:39:59.519 a motion. 00:39:59.519 --> 00:40:20.519 Okay, so we got a motion and a second? Yeah. Any other conversation? No. Okay, all those in favor say aye. Aye. So, let's go to 9.2, Approval of Code Amendment to Chapter 224-4, Virtual Trade Waste. 00:40:29.519 --> 00:40:34.639 I just want to start off. 00:40:34.639 --> 00:40:36.079 This is not a zoning code. 00:40:36.159 --> 00:40:40.259 This is an administration's, um, it's been stated that it's zoning. 00:40:40.259 --> 00:40:42.199 It's not zoning has no skin in this game. 00:40:42.559 --> 00:40:48.119 Um, I am referring to an email that I received from a Corey Jacobson with the 00:40:48.119 --> 00:40:52.639 IEPA, um, I did receive a complaint at planning and development last month. 00:40:52.880 --> 00:40:53.759 I checked with Mr. 00:40:53.759 --> 00:40:54.360 Jeffrey. 00:40:54.519 --> 00:40:56.440 He told me he was okay with IEPA. 00:40:57.019 --> 00:40:58.000 You don't always believe it. 00:40:58.000 --> 00:41:03.000 I contacted IEPA, emailed, I emailed Brooke and Corey, 00:41:06.159 --> 00:41:07.719 I have the same problem, sorry, 00:41:07.719 --> 00:41:12.719 Brooke Schumacher and asked if we needed the estate here. 00:41:15.159 --> 00:41:16.920 I said reaching out with another current question. 00:41:16.920 --> 00:41:19.440 Currently we have in our code commercial trade waste, 00:41:19.440 --> 00:41:21.519 illegal burn commercial waste in the state of Illinois 00:41:21.519 --> 00:41:23.239 except for landscape and agricultural waste 00:41:23.239 --> 00:41:24.920 generated on the property. 00:41:24.920 --> 00:41:27.960 And then B is landscape waste for the purpose 00:41:27.960 --> 00:41:29.719 of the Clearing Land New Development Business 00:41:29.719 --> 00:41:31.719 is a trade waste and they only be burned 00:41:31.719 --> 00:41:33.360 with an air curtain incinerator 00:41:33.360 --> 00:41:37.320 and after obtaining the appropriate EPA permits. 00:41:37.320 --> 00:41:39.800 I was informed that this language may be outdated 00:41:39.800 --> 00:41:43.239 and we have a quarry owner that is clearing trees 00:41:43.239 --> 00:41:44.360 on his property and burning them. 00:41:44.360 --> 00:41:46.159 The adjacent land owner stated he is required 00:41:46.159 --> 00:41:49.440 to have an air curtain incinerator and update EPA permits. 00:41:49.440 --> 00:41:51.079 Could you confirm this or lead me 00:41:51.079 --> 00:41:53.360 to the updated EPA language? 00:41:53.360 --> 00:41:56.900 So Brooke said to me, I believe, 00:41:56.900 --> 00:42:00.440 I believe, but we'll let Corey let you know, confirm. 00:42:00.440 --> 00:42:03.539 So then Mr. Jacobson did reply back to me and stated, 00:42:03.539 --> 00:42:05.940 if the county has less than 50,000 in population, 00:42:05.940 --> 00:42:07.980 a company can bring landscape waste 00:42:07.980 --> 00:42:10.019 to their place of business and burn. 00:42:10.019 --> 00:42:11.980 His understanding is that the place of business 00:42:11.980 --> 00:42:14.880 must be registered with the Secretary of State. 00:42:14.880 --> 00:42:17.019 This was passed at the beginning of 2025, 00:42:17.019 --> 00:42:19.900 so our office was not aware of this until the 4th court. 00:42:19.900 --> 00:42:24.900 Back in 2024, the Zoning Department went through the ZBA 00:42:26.500 --> 00:42:31.219 and we removed business owner from that portion of the code 00:42:31.219 --> 00:42:34.219 because the EPA stated at that time, 00:42:34.219 --> 00:42:37.000 business owners were not allowed to haul in. 00:42:37.940 --> 00:42:41.019 They were only to burn what was generated on the property. 00:42:41.019 --> 00:42:44.579 So after receiving this email from Mr. Jacobson, 00:42:44.579 --> 00:42:47.900 I went ahead and changed it back to what we had 00:42:47.900 --> 00:42:52.900 as Business Owned, it has been reviewed by Council. 00:42:52.980 --> 00:42:54.860 Nothing came of it. 00:42:54.860 --> 00:42:57.619 And then the section that says all ordinances 00:42:57.619 --> 00:43:00.380 or part of ordinances in conflict with this amendment 00:43:00.380 --> 00:43:03.579 are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. 00:43:03.579 --> 00:43:08.440 That means any other preceding ordinances in the past. 00:43:08.440 --> 00:43:10.300 So those are all null and void. 00:43:10.300 --> 00:43:13.219 This would be the ordinance. 00:43:13.219 --> 00:43:17.059 There was a question about a business. 00:43:17.059 --> 00:43:20.059 The business has to be licensed within the Secretary of State. 00:43:20.059 --> 00:43:23.199 You can go right online and look up businesses. 00:43:23.199 --> 00:43:25.960 I do for property owners that call me and say, 00:43:25.960 --> 00:43:27.340 hey, does this person have a license? 00:43:27.340 --> 00:43:30.199 We know Stephenson County does not require a license. 00:43:30.199 --> 00:43:31.779 I'll do that for them. 00:43:31.779 --> 00:43:33.279 And we go from there. 00:43:34.500 --> 00:43:37.139 So that is that. 00:43:38.679 --> 00:43:40.480 What questions do you have on it 00:43:40.480 --> 00:43:42.920 that I could possibly answer? 00:43:42.920 --> 00:43:54.420 I have a lot of questions, and I'd like to make a motion just to table this until next- 00:43:54.420 --> 00:43:55.420 I agree. 00:43:55.420 --> 00:44:03.639 There's just too many, too many what ifs, too many undefinable things at this point. 00:44:03.639 --> 00:44:05.559 I'd like to table it until next month. 00:44:05.559 --> 00:44:06.559 I agree. 00:44:06.559 --> 00:44:07.559 I'll second that. 00:44:07.559 --> 00:44:08.559 Is there still discussion? 00:44:08.559 --> 00:44:24.119 We have landscape companies that are in violation currently. If someone receives a call, then 00:44:24.119 --> 00:44:29.420 they have to enforce, I'm assuming. We have a lot of companies. I have a gentleman in my 00:44:29.420 --> 00:44:35.079 area that has a business and brings landscape waste to his property and burns as well. I 00:44:35.079 --> 00:44:38.960 have asthma, severe asthma, and I close my windows. 00:44:38.960 --> 00:44:40.579 When my husband burns out in the yard, 00:44:40.579 --> 00:44:42.159 I can't even sit around a campfire. 00:44:42.159 --> 00:44:44.260 And I understand, I do understand, 00:44:44.260 --> 00:44:48.659 it's not geared at one specific area of the county 00:44:48.659 --> 00:44:50.699 that many people seem to think. 00:44:50.699 --> 00:44:52.500 We're doing this as a county as a whole 00:44:52.500 --> 00:44:54.039 because we did have it. 00:44:54.039 --> 00:44:56.900 I know it doesn't look like that, 00:44:56.900 --> 00:44:59.199 but it's just a county as a whole. 00:44:59.199 --> 00:45:11.199 Whatever we decide on next month, if we do make a change, it affects the whole county. 00:45:11.199 --> 00:45:20.199 It does. And so these landscapers who are already in violation, who is the governing body to come in and find out? 00:45:20.199 --> 00:45:28.199 Any office of the county. Our code states that any environmental health could write a ticket. 00:45:28.199 --> 00:45:30.079 that my office could write a ticket 00:45:30.079 --> 00:45:32.199 of city so please animal control. 00:45:33.159 --> 00:45:34.400 I am not aware of- 00:45:34.400 --> 00:45:35.480 The Sheriff's Department. 00:45:35.480 --> 00:45:38.440 The Sheriff's Department, yes. 00:45:38.440 --> 00:45:40.400 I have asked the Sheriff's Department 00:45:40.400 --> 00:45:43.519 to have a citation written for an illegally burned house 00:45:43.519 --> 00:45:45.639 and it has not been written yet. 00:45:47.559 --> 00:45:50.719 So that's the issues we do have. 00:45:50.719 --> 00:45:52.400 I understand it's a big deal. 00:45:52.400 --> 00:45:54.079 It's not something to be taken lightly 00:45:54.079 --> 00:45:56.519 and I don't take it lightly either. 00:45:56.519 --> 00:45:57.420 We just have to, 00:45:57.420 --> 00:46:03.420 I just wanted to make the point that there is no air-curtain incinerator that's required by the EPA anymore. 00:46:07.420 --> 00:46:17.420 I did some digging as well, looking into the new stuff, and I think I found it on the EPA thing, and then I found some older verbiage. 00:46:17.420 --> 00:46:19.420 Right, I can find these back to 1982. 00:46:19.420 --> 00:46:23.420 So they have an updated thing, so it's confusing for anybody. 00:46:23.420 --> 00:46:26.420 That's why I reached directly out to the gentleman in Rockford. 00:46:26.420 --> 00:46:31.619 Do we have an EPA representative for this area? Yeah, Corey Jacobson and Brooke Schumacher 00:46:31.619 --> 00:46:36.420 over in Rockford. Okay, so these are the two that you will converse with. Maybe they need to come out. 00:46:38.340 --> 00:46:44.579 I don't know if they will. Well, maybe they need to come out and answer. I mean, 00:46:44.579 --> 00:46:49.220 we have a lot of questions. We have a lot of concerns. I mean, I myself have half a lung. 00:46:49.219 --> 00:46:54.059 I can't sit anywhere, you know, where there's fire. 00:46:54.059 --> 00:46:58.099 So I get this, you know, other than the city though. 00:46:58.099 --> 00:47:00.260 So there's ordinances there. 00:47:00.260 --> 00:47:02.679 And we do currently allow the city to burn 00:47:02.679 --> 00:47:05.519 in the unincorporated areas of the county. 00:47:05.519 --> 00:47:08.079 The city takes all their leaves out to the airport 00:47:08.079 --> 00:47:10.480 and burns and we can't do anything about it. 00:47:13.739 --> 00:47:18.739 Yeah, I think I agree with me to kind of get this over. 00:47:19.219 --> 00:47:25.219 I was trying to put some language together that might work, but maybe there's some other issues. 00:47:25.219 --> 00:47:28.219 Right. I can reach out to Corey tomorrow and Brooke. 00:47:28.219 --> 00:47:29.219 Yeah. 00:47:29.219 --> 00:47:30.219 Do you want me to include you in the email? 00:47:30.219 --> 00:47:36.219 Please. I feel like we need to hear from them and we need to get information from them. 00:47:36.219 --> 00:47:46.219 And if there is a requirement because of change in state policies that we have to adhere to, I want that to the T, 00:47:46.219 --> 00:47:55.139 Right, we don't have to change our policy. 00:47:55.139 --> 00:47:57.340 And that's where I think some of the confusion has come in. 00:47:57.340 --> 00:47:58.340 Right, right. 00:47:58.340 --> 00:48:03.340 No, we don't have to, but to keep businesses in Stevenson County, you know, I mean, yes, 00:48:03.340 --> 00:48:08.019 I understand Mr. Jeffery is bringing in, that's the question, how do you know where it's coming 00:48:08.019 --> 00:48:09.019 from? 00:48:09.019 --> 00:48:10.019 It could be coming from Rockets. 00:48:10.019 --> 00:48:16.059 If he's burning something other than landscape waste, if, if he is burning appliances, my 00:48:16.059 --> 00:48:19.659 and my neighbor Burn Appliances, we called the sheriff. 00:48:19.659 --> 00:48:21.360 I don't know what that time, if anything was done, 00:48:21.360 --> 00:48:25.940 I called the EPA and he was cited and fined a hefty fine 00:48:25.940 --> 00:48:28.500 because they can go on a priority. 00:48:28.500 --> 00:48:29.500 Yeah. 00:48:29.500 --> 00:48:30.840 So if there's chemical smell, 00:48:30.840 --> 00:48:32.539 I advise them to call the EPA 00:48:32.539 --> 00:48:34.940 and the Sheriff's Department ASAP. 00:48:36.539 --> 00:48:40.519 That will keep the really bad stuff going on here. 00:48:40.519 --> 00:48:42.260 At that point, it's already in the air. 00:48:42.260 --> 00:48:43.420 Well, I get it, but. 00:48:43.420 --> 00:48:56.420 Well, I think we're all in agreement, but let's hold on to tabling this till next month. 00:48:56.420 --> 00:48:57.420 You say aye. 00:48:57.420 --> 00:48:58.420 Aye. 00:48:58.420 --> 00:49:01.420 That would be Ms. Hayes first. 00:49:01.420 --> 00:49:02.420 Okay. 00:49:02.420 --> 00:49:03.420 Okay. 00:49:03.420 --> 00:49:07.420 We still have the 9.3 honor. 00:49:07.420 --> 00:49:17.059 Right here, that's the Pleasure of the Community Motion to Table, I'll second that one. 00:49:17.059 --> 00:49:30.420 So I think both of these, we'll get the understanding and the actual legislation or the rules that 00:49:30.420 --> 00:49:33.179 they put in place. 00:49:33.179 --> 00:49:41.739 So it appears, from what I've found, that we can also impose some other restrictions 00:49:41.739 --> 00:49:42.739 as well. 00:49:42.739 --> 00:49:49.940 But we've got to be, you know, realistic so it doesn't cause somebody out of business 00:49:49.940 --> 00:49:56.699 or do something like that, but we also want to be fair and try to make everybody happy, 00:49:56.699 --> 00:49:57.699 which is probably impossible. 00:49:57.699 --> 00:49:58.699 So. 00:49:58.699 --> 00:49:59.699 Okay. 00:49:59.699 --> 00:49:59.719 Thank you. 00:49:59.719 --> 00:50:00.719 Lawservant. 00:50:00.719 --> 00:50:03.719 If you're burning chemicals, should you use this? 00:50:03.719 --> 00:50:05.719 No, chemicals, obviously, that's- 00:50:05.719 --> 00:50:07.719 Or appliances that have all the- 00:50:07.719 --> 00:50:09.719 That's not what we're talking about. 00:50:09.719 --> 00:50:10.719 Well, but- 00:50:10.719 --> 00:50:11.719 We're talking about- 00:50:11.719 --> 00:50:13.719 Well, if a business is doing that- 00:50:13.719 --> 00:50:16.719 Commercial waste and landscapes, that's what we're talking about. 00:50:16.719 --> 00:50:17.719 Right. 00:50:17.719 --> 00:50:18.719 And that applies to everything. 00:50:18.719 --> 00:50:23.719 So anything other than that is EPA and Sheriff's Department right away. 00:50:23.719 --> 00:50:24.719 That's- 00:50:24.719 --> 00:50:25.719 Yeah. 00:50:25.719 --> 00:50:26.719 That's definitely illegal right now. 00:50:26.719 --> 00:50:27.719 So- 00:50:27.719 --> 00:50:28.719 Yeah. 00:50:28.719 --> 00:50:31.719 You got a motion in a second, right, on the second one? 00:50:31.719 --> 00:50:33.719 Okay, all those in favor say aye. 00:50:33.719 --> 00:50:34.719 Aye. 00:50:34.719 --> 00:50:39.719 So that's tabled until next month or until we have, we'll talk about it next month as 00:50:39.719 --> 00:50:40.719 well. 00:50:40.719 --> 00:50:44.719 We have some kind of understanding where we need to go with this. 00:50:44.719 --> 00:50:45.719 Okay. 00:50:45.719 --> 00:50:46.719 Thank you everyone. 00:50:46.719 --> 00:50:47.719 All right. 00:50:47.719 --> 00:50:54.719 Let's go on to 9.4, Approval of Engagement Letter with Lowenbaum Law. 00:50:54.719 --> 00:51:05.480 Helms, I have that contract as well as there was an email from Georgia, if I can find it. 00:51:05.480 --> 00:51:13.879 Basically Mr. Lombaugh has gone on his own and it's a renewal of a current service. 00:51:13.879 --> 00:51:21.480 So council said we didn't have to send this back out for like bid for everybody. 00:51:21.480 --> 00:51:25.960 and I think the rates, I can find this, 00:51:27.019 --> 00:51:29.659 the rates that he's charging was I think actually less 00:51:29.659 --> 00:51:32.899 than what we're currently doing, validating medicine. 00:51:32.899 --> 00:51:37.599 So, I think it's kind of a no brainer to prove this, 00:51:37.599 --> 00:51:42.000 but we can have more conversation if need be. 00:51:43.779 --> 00:51:45.239 So this is, 00:51:45.239 --> 00:51:58.479 This is to retain them for council and there's scope of services and is already raised by 00:51:58.479 --> 00:52:04.919 100 and some other things that I believe has been reviewed as well. 00:52:04.919 --> 00:52:05.919 So 00:52:05.919 --> 00:52:14.879 And has Carl attended? Yes, we didn't need, Carl said we didn't need to send this out since it's a space 00:52:14.879 --> 00:52:20.479 and they do all sorts of searches, right, just a cleaning up of some of the paperwork more than 00:52:20.479 --> 00:52:25.759 anything else. Yes, so, all right, so pretty good, right, I think, so I'm going to make a motion to 00:52:25.759 --> 00:52:33.679 approve this one. Oh, second, second, Mr. Rodero, do you need further compensation? All those in 00:52:33.679 --> 00:52:41.839 favorite say aye? Aye. All right, so move then. All right, 10.0. Comments from committee members. 00:52:43.839 --> 00:52:53.199 Just like I say, kind of reflecting on the past few months for being the paperwork committee, 00:52:54.079 --> 00:52:58.960 we're getting a lot of interest from the community. I think that's really interesting. 00:52:58.960 --> 00:53:15.960 That's just for the record, I think that's great that we're getting engagement on what, on the face of it, are some pretty mundane things, but they do have an important impact, an important ramification, and the people know that. 00:53:15.960 --> 00:53:23.960 Given our past three or so meetings, that seems worth pointing out. 00:53:23.960 --> 00:53:53.960 Yeah, I mean, I'll just comment, I was thinking about saying something Thursday night too, but I mean, we had several tornadoes go through, you know, we had one in Troll City and one in Lena, and it was just amazing with all the people that came in and helped. And as part of that help, believe me, I was out there helping for quite a bit, but there was a lot of trees and things getting hauled out and getting burned, and that was under the 00:53:53.960 --> 00:53:57.559 Agency, Florida that allowed that burning and stuff. 00:53:57.559 --> 00:54:02.079 So I don't know if any of this material 00:54:02.079 --> 00:54:05.439 that came from me was taken out to that quarry or anything. 00:54:05.439 --> 00:54:06.879 I don't know any of those details, 00:54:06.879 --> 00:54:10.319 but there was a lot of good hands and good people 00:54:10.319 --> 00:54:12.679 out there helping us the last three weeks. 00:54:12.679 --> 00:54:14.639 And they're still working, I know that. 00:54:14.639 --> 00:54:18.799 So we'll try to come up with a thing that works 00:54:18.799 --> 00:54:20.119 for everybody if we can. 00:54:20.119 --> 00:54:24.019 I'd like to just thank you all for coming out tonight. 00:54:24.019 --> 00:54:26.679 It's wonderful to get a perspective like Adam said. 00:54:26.679 --> 00:54:29.559 I mean, we don't, we sit here in the paperwork committee 00:54:29.559 --> 00:54:32.559 and we don't get a lot of feedback. 00:54:32.559 --> 00:54:34.519 So thank you for coming out 00:54:34.519 --> 00:54:35.959 and sharing your thoughts on this week. 00:54:35.959 --> 00:54:36.799 Appreciate it. 00:54:37.839 --> 00:54:39.599 Sounds like we need a T-shirt today. 00:54:39.599 --> 00:54:40.439 Paperwork. 00:54:40.439 --> 00:54:42.959 Right, the paperwork committee. 00:54:42.959 --> 00:54:44.479 Take it out of Nate's budget. 00:54:44.479 --> 00:54:45.319 Yeah, exactly. 00:54:47.679 --> 00:54:49.799 All right, let's wrap this up. 00:54:49.799 --> 00:55:00.799 11.01 adjournment. I make that motion. In a second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Okay. Thanks everyone. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. 00:55:02.799 --> 00:55:08.799 Lou Ann, do you have a minute? I do. Can I just talk to you? Maybe.